Welcome to the latest edition of The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! the longest running monthly look at the Disney Outlet Stores in Orlando. It’s the last day of February and – DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?! – the long delayed Rivers of Light finally made its debut in the Animal Kingdom. Reaction to the show has been […]

Welcome to the latest edition of The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! the longest running monthly look at the Disney Outlet Stores in Orlando.

It’s the last day of February and – DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?! – the long delayed Rivers of Light finally made its debut in the Animal Kingdom. Reaction to the show has been favorable, except for the fascinating demographic known as theme park bloggers. Bloggers – who have now seen the show more than anyone – started off saying the show wasn’t that impressive at all. After two or three shows, they started remarking how good the soundtrack is and that the show is growing on them. By the end of the week, many had completely flip flopped and said Rivers of Light was a very good show. Now, this could be a case of Stockholm Syndrome, but most likely it is because Rivers of Light completely eschews what we have become used to in theme park shows and goes back to an original concept like the crowd pleasing IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. No intellectual properties, and a show that rewards multiple viewings. There’s reason to believe Rivers of Light will get additions in the coming months to improve that show even more, and that’s a win-win for all of us.

Now, what did Outlet Intern Julia Mascardo, secret shopper Showcase Of Wishesand I find when we stepped into Mordor the Disney Outlet Stores? Let’s check it out!

A while back Disney came out with a unbelievable amount of huge luggage tags. They were very colorful and several of the designs were actually really neat and well themed to “air travel.” Several of the luggage tags made it to the Outlet this month including ones for Dumbo (the flying elephant), Pixar’s Up, and Buzz Lightyear. Originally $12.95 each, these were reduced to $4.99.

How great is the Up one?!

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Here is another luggage tag featuring the Genie from Aladdin. Originally $8.95, now $2.99.

So how long before they announce the live action remake of Aladdin? Over/Under is 7 days if Beauty and the Beast opens to over $100M.

Then it becomes a full out notebook where you can write your shopping lists, plans for a Disney vacation, or even a dream journal.

Next up is an interesting notepad that comes in the form of a flip book. Great idea in theory, but not sure how well it translates to your average guest. Originally $6.99, reduced to $2.99.

Flipbook notepad. (photo by @ShowcaseOfWishes)

It was notepad month, as these pads themed to princesses also arrived. These were originally $12.95 each, reduced to $2.99. They seem completely impractical as a notepad because unless you’re writing in sharpie you won’t be able to see half of what you write because the colors are so dark.

Princess notepads.

One of the best days of the year are when the annual Theme Park Attraction Calendars make it to the Outlets. It’s an annual tradition and one of the best buys you can make. Originally $24.99, these were reduced to $4.99. This is a complete steal because this is pound for pound the best calendar Disney makes.

Attraction calendar front. (photo by @showcaseofwishes)

Attraction calendar back. (photo by @ShowcaseOfWishes)

I completely marked out seeing some of the new postcards this month. I’ve seen this design for Space Mountain and have considered buying it as a larger print several times at the Marketplace Co-op in Disney Springs. Now the postcard was $4.95 – which normally I would consider a price only someone trying to reenact Brewster’s Millions should pay – but I bought it anyway.

Love this retro style.

I also bought this Jungle Cruise postcard, also $4.95 (no discount).

Jungle Cruise.

Bought a couple of these plates for the kiddos in the family. They are made out of “tempered glass” (whatever that means) and have a “removable silicone cover” (for who knows what reason.) Originally $12.99 each, reduced to $4.99.

Mickey and Minnie plates.

Who is buying glassware themed to the Twenty Eight & Main brand? I mean that’s just nuts. I guess these would be okay “thank you” gifts to executives or maybe people who designed the cool-but-overpriced t-shirts, but a regular person? Originally $12.95, now $3.99.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all…

Okay, this is cool. A set of three retro-style serving dishes. One themed to Tomorrowland, one to Fantasyland, and one to Frontierland. They all sit on a plate that is also themed. Originally $29.95, now just $17.99.

More retro! (photo by @ShowcaseOfWishes)

Better view of what you get. (photo by @ShowcaseOf Wishes)

Like I wasn’t going to get this. A Jumbo Mini Light Glow Necklace. Originally $14.95, now $4.99.

Jumbo Mini Lights!

Let it Glow.

This little girl has yet to understand that the Osborne Lights aren’t coming back this year and I don’t want to be the one to break it to her…

Considered this one because of the cute packaging, but ended up passing. The set of three cocoa cans was originally $12.99, now $6.99.

Cocoa!

Not sure of the original price, but these snowman themed tote bags were reduced to $7.99.

Snowman Tote. (photo by @ShowcaseOfWishes)

ALL ABOARD THE TRAIN TO CRAZYVILLE!!

Our first stop is at these Miss Piggy themed high-heel shoe Christmas ornaments. WHAAAAAAT? Originally $19.95, now $9.99.

Miss Piggy High-Heels.

Our last stop is at these Marie-from-Aristocats themed high-heel Christmas ornament. I feel like there should be a documentary on Netflix that covers people who collect these. This is a judgement-free zone, I’m just intrigued. I mean, I can get Princess-themed high heels, I guess. But one for a cat? One for Roz from Monster’s INC? ONE FOR MUSHU?! Forget what I said, we’re in full judgement mode now.

Also $9.99.

When I saw this AT-AT pillow I had to get it. Even though it wasn’t priced. I still don’t know the original price, but it was reduced to $6.99. I love it.

These leather Star Wars wallet was behind the counter and I came oh-so-close to picking it up. Originally $32.99, now $25.99 and I think I’ll get it the next time I see it.

Better be able to hold my GI Joe membership card.

This is kind of an ugly Star Wars coffee cup, even by Force Awakens standards. Originally $14.99, now $5.99.

Hard pass.

Last month we saw Anakin and Ahsoka in a three pack, but here they are in a set that includes other stuff to play the now-defunct game. Originally $64.99, but I wasn’t taking this to the register to see what the clearance price is but the smart money is on $29.99.

Not exactly “Infinity” in the Webster’s Dictionary version of the world….

Would this be the least practical key chain or what? Am I living on some sort of Bizarro-Earth?! This was reduced to $3.99.

Keychain.

Now this is more like it. A light-up Captain America shield keychain. Originally $7.95, reduced to $3.99.

Avengers….ASSEMBLE!

Cute Kermit the Frog keychain. Reduced to $3.99.

Kermit.

If you look to the left of Kermit above you’ll see a Mickey thing. I couldn’t tell what it was, and I was a bit intrigued.

Mickey thing.

Turns out is was a foldable brush, complete with a mirror. This was so crazy I didn’t mind paying the original price of $7.95 (no discount.)

That glowing thing is a Rivers of Light Lotus Flower.

Were you ever looking for a bag of 24 pieces of reusable Mickey head ice cubes? Originally $8.99, now $2.99.

“Ice” “cubes.” (photo by @ShowcaseOfWishes)

Time for a couple Disney Cruise Line branded products, included this 2016 Photo Album. Originally $24.95, now $7.99.

DCL photo album.

2016 DCL photo frame I do like the four ships deal at the bottom. Originally a bonkers $24.95, now $7.99.

Photo frame.

Quick DCL tangent, did you know they released DCL Tsum Tsums this month?! Soon there will be Tsum Tsums available in certain cities like London, Chicago, New York and Hawaii, so if you live in any of those cities, please send an email to Derek@TouringPlans.com

Now then, back to this DCL Towel Tote which has been reduced to $9.99. We have been informed by cruising expert @TheDCLBlog that these are incredible handy to have.

I prefer to “air dry.” This may explain why I’m not allowed within 500 yards of the Disney Wonder though.

I actually grabbed this DCL “Officer Pin Trading Night 2016” pin. Love the design and great packaging. Originally $14.95, now $6.99.

DCL pin.

This Halloween pin is actually kinda weird. Originally a next level insane $15.99, now $6.99.

Halloween pin.

Two different Hanukkah pins. Each were originally $14.99, reduced to $6.99.

Hanukkah pins.

Check this out and tell me on a scale of 1 – Animal Kingdom Poop Snacks how crazy it is. Not only is it Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy presenting sushi rolls that look like themselves, but the back has the recipe for how they made them. THIS IS INSANE. Originally $59.99. Did you see that? ORIGINALLY $59.99. Now $29.99.

Food and wine pins.

Sometimes I can’t believe my own eyes.

I consider myself the Guardian of Blogger Etiquette, and when I realized I had taken this picture with the Mickey head on the box upside down I almost gave myself ten lashes in town square. I did pick one up though. Originally $32.99, reduced to $9.99.

Easter MagicBand.

I love Prince Charming bands. Reduced to $1.99.

These bands don’t work at all on your WDW hotel room doors, just like the real MagicBands!

Several new magnets this month, include this one featuring a very artsy Mickey. Originally $5.99, reduced to $5399.

Mickey magnet.

This magnet featuring the Partner’s Statue and Cinderella Castle was reduced to $3.99. (I wonder how much I could charge for the re-imagined Partner’s Statue magnet now that we have a new President…)

Walt and Mickey magnet.

Very cute magnet featuring Minnie and Mickey as mermaids at Cinderella Castle as a sand castle. Actually that sand castle may be to scale, in which case it would be the castle out in Disneyland (THAT’S RIGHT GUY SELGA, I WENT THERE.) Magnet was reduced to $3.99.

Mermaid Magnet. (photo by Scarlett Ashley)

2016 Magnet set featuring the Fab Five and Daisy Duck. Originally $9.95, now $2.99.

Magnet set.

I actually really love everything about this shirt, except the Christmas tree. Kinda dates everything. Originally $27.99, now $6.99.

Disney vacation shirt. (photo by @ShowcaseOfWishes)

Interesting Pirates of the Caribbean themed hoodie. Originally $49.95, now $19.99.

Here’s a rare one, a shirt themed to EPCOT’s Holidays Around the World. Originally $34.99, now $10.99.

Holidays Around the World.

Mickey and Minnie in film-strip t-shirt. With and original price of a next-level bananas $44.95, I’m going to guess it was being sold at Tren-D in Disney Springs. It has been reduced to $14.99.

Film strip.

Now this is a really cute shirt until you get to whatever is happening at the bottom left hand side of it. Maybe it’s too fashionable for a blue collar worker like me to understand. Originally $39.95, now $19.99.

Mickey and Minnie.

From the John Lassiter Jr collection. Originally $34.95, now $14.99.

Kid’s shirt.

I liked this “Four Parks” shirt. Originally $24.99, now $7.99.

Four Parks.

Close up on logo.

Here were some new sets of clothes to join the Junior Blogger set we saw last month (the one that’s third from the left). All were originally $29.95, reduced to $9.99.

Kids clothes.

Here’s a bucket hat from either the Beach Club or DCL. Originally $29.95, now $7.99.

Bucket hat.

Dale hat (several Dales were available, no Chips.) Originally $24.95, now $7.99.

One half of the RESCUE RANGERS.

Here’s a very cool Chip & Dale postcard. Originally $4.95, now $1.99.

Postcard.

2016 branded photo clip frame. Originally $17.99, now just $2.99. (I have literally never seen these clip frames, Disney or otherwise, in another human being’s house).

Clip frame.

Minnie-themed stickers. Each was originally $6.95, now $1.99.

Stickers!

For those of you who put these type of stickers on your car. Originally $6.95, now $1.99.

Sticker.

Here was a fun little set of binder clips. Reduced to $3.99.

Binder Clips.

All the “flat art” that was originally $39.95 was reduced to $19.99, including these pieces featuring Madame Leota and Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.

Flat art.

Last month we saw a Toy Story 3D Crystal Puzzle featuring the alien, and this month we see Buzz Lightyear. A reader wrote in saying they have bought these puzzles, and no directions came with it, which help explain why they would be intended for ages “12+.” Call me crazy, but I’m not sure how many teenagers are going to want a Buzz Lightyear puzzle. Originally $17.99, now $7.99.

Toy Story.

Some iPhone 6 cases featuring Bob Iger’s greatest purchases. Civil War case was originally $29.95, reduced to $7.99, while the Luke and Leia was originally $29.95, reduced to $9.99.

iPhone cases.

This was awesome. Before Disney started putting out Fuel Rods at the parks and Disney Springs, they had this D-Tech Rechargeable Battery Power stick. For an original price of $44.95, you got a whopping 2600mAh in return. I believe this is even less power than what’s in the Fuel Rods (which ain’t much.) This was reduced to $12.99.

For $45 you can almost have a enough juice in your phone to type a complaint letter.

SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!

There are actually two Disney outlet stores in Orlando. Both are in Orlando Premium Outlet shopping complexes, and they are called Disney’s Character Warehouse, presumably because The Land Of Misfit Toys was already trademarked. There is one Character Warehouse located on International Drive close to Universal Studios (4951 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819), and the other is on Vineland Avenue, right across I-4 near the exits to Disney World (8200 Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL 32821).

This week’s SATURDAY SIX looks at Reasons We Love EPCOT. This July we’re celebrating Walt Disney World here on the SATURDAY SIX. We started at Animal Kingdom, and then made our way to Hollywood Studios, but this week we are going to look at a theme park that is unlike any other in America: Epcot. Comprised of two distinct sections (Future […]

This week’s SATURDAY SIX looks at Reasons We Love EPCOT. This July we’re celebrating Walt Disney World here on the SATURDAY SIX. We started at Animal Kingdom, and then made our way to Hollywood Studios, but this week we are going to look at a theme park that is unlike any other in America: Epcot.

EPCOT, the only Walt Disney World park in which the monorail goes into the actual park. (photo by Brian Carey)

Comprised of two distinct sections (Future World and World Showcase,) it’s impossible to compare EPCOT to any other theme park you’ve been to. The term “edutainment” is often used to describe the park because it generally eschewed the traditional model of quick and whimsical children’s rides, and instead focused on long and elaborate dark rides that refused to shoehorn in Disney characters (RIP Horizons.) EPCOT’s mascot Figment became an immediate hit, and certainly remains the most popular character ever designed for a theme park. We’ve seen many changes to EPCOT over the years, but it remains a wonderfully unique park. Yes, we miss Kitchen Kaberet, World of Motion, and the original Journey into Imagination as much as anyone, but there are still plenty of things to love about EPCOT’s current state. What’s our favorite? Well, sit back, snack on some school bread, and let’s start our countdown with…

# 6 – Frozen Ever After

In 2014 we shed our tears with the rest of the #SaveMaelstrom movement, but an amazing thing happened when Walt Disney Imagineering converted the old Norway boat ride into an attraction based around the hit movie Frozen: they hit a monstrous home run. Given the constraints WDI had to work with including – for Disney – a rapid turnaround, Frozen Ever After is a dark ride so good that it would fit in perfectly with the legendary Fantasyland attractions at the Magic Kingdom. The animatronics are amazing (Olaf steals the show), guests get to see all their favorite Frozen characters and hear almost the entire film’s soundtrack, including the contractually obligated “Let It Go.”

Elsa, Anna, and Olaf in Frozen Ever After. (photo by Brian Carey)

Sven after getting a triple dog dare. (photo by Brandon Glover)

Queen Elsa. (photo by Brian Carey)

The star of Frozen Ever After, Olaf! (photo by Brandon Glover)

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# 5 – The Festivals

With dates expanding every year, we could possibly see a time when the Flower & Garden Festival runs straight into the International Food & Wine Festival, and all we can say is: good! Both festivals are completely free with park admission, have a lot of fun things to do and see, and bring along a whole bunch of unique food and drink items. Flower & Garden turns EPCOT, already one of the most beautiful parks around, into THE most beautiful with a series of well manicured gardens and must-see topiaries. Despite the increasing cost (and decreasing size) of the portions, Food & Wine is still one of the best experiences at WDW as you walk from booth to booth trying foods and drinks from locales around the globe.

The Olive Oil-Poached Salmon with Fresh Corn, Bacon, and Pepper Jam from The Chew booth. (Photo by Julia Mascardo)

Taylor Hanson of the group Hanson, playing a set during Food & Wine. (photo by Brandon Glover)

Mmmhops, the craft beer from the band Hanson. Not to be confused with The Yeastie Boys and Death Cab For Fruity brewed by their competitors. (photo by Brandon Glover)

The Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog is always a hit when it appears at Food & Wine. (photo by Brandon Glover)

Mickey and Minnie in a pose similar to the famous painting American Gothic. (photo by Brian Carey)

Beijing-style candied strawberries at the Lotus House during Flower & Garden. (photo by Brandon Glover)

Even the Germany village is decorated during Flower & Garden. (photo by Brandon Glover)

This Mater topiary is here solely as a tribute to the fine work of Andy Castro, who recently ended a historic run on his incredible Dateline Disneyland photo updates. (photo by Brandon Glover)

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# 4 – Spaceship Earth

EPCOT was the first Disney park not to have a castle as its icon, and instead has the “giant golf ball” known as Spaceship Earth standing 180 feet tall at the park entrance. While a visual spectacle on the outside, the inside also contains a beloved dark ride taking guests through the history of communication. Who among us doesn’t fondly remember the burning smell when passing through Rome, smile when seeing the sleeping monk, or know most of narrator Dame Judy Dench’s spiel by heart, including the reminder to thank the Phoenicians? In recent years a controversial ending was added to the attraction, but it is one that Your Humble Author enjoys a lot. Every time we go to the parks with someone who hasn’t been a million times, they love seeing themselves photoshopped Jib Jab style into a cute animation that can be different every time you ride.

The iconic Spaceship Earth. (photo by Brandon Glover)

The history of human communication is told during your ascent up Spaceship Earth. (photo by Tom Bricker)

Ever wanted a glimpse into the home offices of the SATURDAY SIX? (photo by Tom Bricker)

# 3 – Soarin’

There are some theme park skeptics who don’t appreciate Soarin’ with the same degree of passion that we here at the SATURDAY SIX do. To us, the mere fact that it is the only attraction at Walt Disney World that regularly gets an applause after every showing speaks volumes about the overall effect it has on an average guest. The new and improved version of Soarin’ – with its 4K crisp video – even eliminates some of the only negatives of the old ride, that being the scratches and dust bunnies which filled the larger than life IMAX screen. Guests get the sensation of flying (complete with air being blown at you, along with several scents), one of the all-time greatest attraction scores, and now pass by all of the world’s most well known landmarks (basically if it has been blown up by aliens during a movie, you fly by it in Soarin’.) This ride is pure Disney magic, and don’t let any jaded theme park blogger tell you otherwise.

Soarin’ now gets recognized on The Land Pavilion’s sign. (photo by Brandon Glover)

The world famous Matterhorn as seen in Soarin’. (photo by Adam Roth of Theme Park Review)

If you look closely you can see 42 Wallaby Way in this shot of Sydney, Australia. (photo by Adam Roth of Theme Park Review)

Some fun hidden MIckeys can be found in Soarin’. (photo by Adam Roth of Theme Park Review)

The finale of Soarin’ in WDW now takes place over EPCOT. (photo by Adam Roth of Theme Park Review)

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# 2 – The Restaurants

Until the recent transformation of Disney Springs, when it came to dining at Walt Disney World, there was one place to send people: World Showcase. Here lies a collection of unique restaurants that is second to none in the theme park world. In the Mexico Pavilion you can dine inside the temple as boats from Gran Fiesta Tour pass you by at San Angel Inn. Canada has Le Cellier Steakhouse and its famous cheddar cheese soup. France’s Monsieur Paul is true fine dining inside a theme park. Italy has Via Napoli serving the greatest pizza on Disney property. Akershus, Restaurant Marrakesh, Chefs de France, and who can pass up fish & chips or some bangers & mash at Rose & Crown? There are so many fantastic restaurants in World Showcase that it puts the other three WDW parks to shame.

Via Napoli, home of the best pizza on Disney property. (photo by Brandon Glover)

Monsieur Paul. (photo by Brandon Glover)

Le Cellier. (photo by Brandon Glover)

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One of our favorite places to eat in World Showcase is none other than Teppan Edo in the Japan Pavilion. The hibachi chefs prepare your meal directly in front of you, including the “volcano” that everyone wants to see, and the food itself is excellent.

Teppan Edo. (photo by Brandon Glover)

Teppan Edo. (photo by Brandon Glover)

Teppan Edo chef. (photo by Brandon Glover)

This onion is simulating what happens to Your Humble Author every time he sees a photo shot in portrait. (photo by Brandon Glover))

# 1 – IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

There have been very strong rumors lately that that IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular is in for a major change. To that we say, nay nay. Let’s face it, if IllumiNations ever changes we’ll never get anything like it again. We’re not overwhelmed with characters or forced-in product placements (we’re looking in your direction World of Color). It is the very definition of a spectacle using over the top fireworks, lasers, neon lights, and a stirring musical soundtrack to deliver its story. Yes, the story may actually be more incomprehensible than the plot to Batman V Superman, but along with the pyrotechnic ballyhoo there is the large globe doing whatever it is that it does. We don’t know exactly why the globe unfolds like a flower, but that flower brings with it one of the most show stopping finales we know of. IllumiNations is not by any means perfect, but you just know if Disney changed this show, the globe would be replaced by a giant Duffy the Disney Bear head, the music would be the Frozen soundtrack as sung by Demi Lovato, and the narration would be done by Neil Patrick Harris.

Don’t you dare change a thing to IllumiNations Disney. Don’t you dare.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. (photo by Brandon Glover)

IllumiNations. (Photo by Brandon Glover)

IllumiNations. (photo by Brandon Glover)

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth as seen behind Spaceship Earth. (photo by Brian Carey)

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HONORABLE MENTION – World Showcase Shopping

Something that rarely gets the attention that it deserves is how much fun it can be just walking through all the stores throughout World Showcase. Unlike your average theme park stores, they aren’t filled with the same t-shirts and generic logos. Our favorite shopping experiences include the carts inside the Mexican temple, walking through the huge China store (which is almost a museum in parts), and of course the Japan stores (which for us is like a Tokyo Toys R Us.) Take your time and browse some of these areas. Wander in deep and see the masks in the Italy pavilion or get lost in the Morocco area, you’ll love it and maybe find something you never knew you were looking for.

Japan Pavilion. (photo by Brandon Glover)

China Pavilion. (photo by Brandon Glover)

Morocco Pavilion. (photo by Brandon Glover)

The exception that proves the rule. Thanks, Canada. (photo by Brandon Glover)

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DOUBLE SECRET HONORABLE MENTION: Leave a Legacy

The Leave A Legacy monoliths outside of Spaceship Earth are one thing in EPCOT that many guests would probably be happy to see moved. If you are not one of the 500,000 or so people that bought a tile, there’s very little reason to appreciate these slabs which are directly at the front of the park. However, some of us DO have a reason to check them. My family personally has two tiles, and it is nice to see them each time each time I go to the park. There’s also a set of tiles featuring the band N*Sync (oh wait, I forgot I’m making the case to keep the monoliths.)

Let’s say Disney did move the Leave A Legacy monoliths, what are they going to put in place of them? DVC kiosks? C’mon these are cooler than that. Right? Right?!

Leave A Legacy monoliths in front of Spaceship Earth. (photo by Brandon Glover)

“And from way up here, you all look like little ants!” – Heimlich, A Bug’s Life

Justin Timberlake and four other guys. Just kidding Joey! photo by MeetTheMagic.com)

My mother and my grandmother got this tile in honor of my uncle David and aunt Laurel.

The second tile in has my mother immortalized at the front of EPCOT.

In the dead center of this pic – looking like the love child of Lord Voldemort and Dr. Doom – the legendary BriMan of Orlando United.

So there you have it: Six Reasons We LOVE Disney’s EPCOT. See you next weekend for the latest installment of the SATURDAY SIX, where we’ll be going to a little place called The Magic Kingdom. If you enjoyed yourself, be sure to check out The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! articles, or, for your listening pleasure, check out the E-Ticket Report podcast. You can also follow Your Humble Author on Twitter (@derekburgan)

This week’s SATURDAY SIX is a special one as we have the Inaugural Walt Disey World “Turkeys” of the Year. For Thanksgiving this week we took a look back at things both Disney and Universal fans should be thankful for, but today we are going to go the other way. Gather round, as we are starting a […]

This week’s SATURDAY SIX is a special one as we have the Inaugural Walt Disey World “Turkeys” of the Year. For Thanksgiving this week we took a look back at things both Disney and Universal fans should be thankful for, but today we are going to go the other way. Gather round, as we are starting a new tradition and award six WDW “Turkeys” to the craziest, most outrageous, or just downright weird stories of the year, concluding with the coveted Golden Turkey award. Let’s kick off the ceremony with a relatively recent one….

# 6 – FastPass + Testing at Toy Story Midway Mania

Kim Kardashian may have broke the Internet in November, but WDW itself set the precedent in October when it broke Hollywood Studios doing a controversial test using the park’s most popular attraction, Toy Story Midway Mania. For reasons still unknown, the attraction became FastPass+ ONLY for four days, giving guests no opportunity to wait in a standby line. The normally long standby line for TSMM was essentially switched over to Guest Services, where many guests queued up to voice their opinions on this test. The end result of the test? Scores of unhappy guests. One of the only family friendly rides in the park running at less than 100% capacity. And perhaps further evidence of a large percentage of WDW guests that just plain don’t want to participate in MyDisneyExperience or MyMagic+, something which could present a challenge for WDW in the coming years.

Toy Story Midway Mania vehicles cycling at less than 100% capacity. (photo by Seth Kubersky)

# 5 – 4 and 6 oz. beers at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Whether a tactic to combat complaints of over-intoxicated adults, or a WDW cash grab, this year’s introduction of beers being only available in 4 or 6 oz. pours was not a welcome sight for many Food & Wine guests. Beers around the World Showcase kiosks were available in single 6 oz .pours, or a flight of four separate 4 oz. pours. You’d be hard pressed to find a single store, arena, ballpark, or restaurant in the world that sells 4 oz. servings of beer for the simple fact of no one would buy it. In previous Food & Wine Festivals, beers were available in much larger sizes, including 20 and 22 ounces.

# 4 – The Pop Tart Breakfast Sandwich at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

I will never forget where I was on November 6 at 6:12 AM. That was the time when TouringPlans’ own Laurel Stewart posted a picture containing the Pop Tart Breakfast Sandwich at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. I consider myself a connoisseur of outrageous foods at Walt Disney World, but this one made my jaw drop. Using Pop Tarts as the bread of a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich? Whaaaaaat?! I was having KFC Double Down flashbacks. Being of sound mind and body, Laurel was smart enough to only take a picture of the menu. However, Disney Twitter icon and selfie expert Mark Diba was more than happy to provide a public service and brave eating the sandwich.

Long story short, the Pop Tart Breakfast Sandwich wasn’t that good. But, like a good horror movie, we’ll leave what it tastes like to your imagination, because that’s always ten times worse than the real thing. It is worth noting that the real sandwich is different from the one on the menu board as the sandwich is cooked with the frosting side inside the sandwich, not out. We may have to go back to Pop Century and request another one with the frosting on the outside to get a second opinion. Oh Mark….

Everything Pop! menu board. (photo by Laurel Stewart)

Pop-Tart Sandwich.

WHAAAAAAAAAT?!!!!

# 3 – Guests being walked back to Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom

Back in April, Frozen‘s Anna and Elsa moved from the Norway pavilion in Epcot to Princess Fairytale Hall in the Magic Kingdom. Everyone knew it would be popular, but almost no one was prepared for exactly how popular. Immediately waits went to 100, 200, and even over 300 minutes. FastPass+ reservations were gone usually in minutes, as most were reserved 60 days in advance by WDW on-site guests. This in turn caused a new dynamic at the Magic Kingdom rope drop, as it soon became the theme park version of Spain’s running of the bulls. The mad dash to Fantasyland in the morning became so bad that Disney was compelled to do something.

And boy, did they ever.

In a sight that had to be seen to be believed, Cast Members formed a human wall, and slowly walked the early morning guests back to Fantasyland.

This picture is even better if you picture them all singing “Let It Go” as they walk hand in hand back to Fantasyland. (photo from the Twitter machine. If this is your photo please let me know and I will immediately credit – derek@touringplans.com)

# 2 – Maelstrom shut down for Frozen overlay

What else needs to be said? A park that desperately needs more attractions shuts down one of the only rides in World Showcase to convert it over, instead of building another ride. An area which is built on learning and discovering the culture of other countries will now have a centerpiece attraction based on a country that does not exist. Maybe the problem is that theme park guests, like your humble author, who grew up with Epcot as a theme park experience radically different from anything we had ever done before, need to accept the fact that sooner or later it’s going to become just another park. I say all this as someone who loves Frozen. I would love to see a Frozen attraction in the Magic Kingdom. I would love to see a Frozen attraction in Hollywood Studios. I would love to see Arendelle set a precedent and become the first fully realized “country” in the World Showcase, paving the way for Big Hero 6‘s San Fransokyo or Wreck It Ralph‘s Sugar Rush environments. What I don’t want to see is Frozen replace Maelstrom in Norway.

The attraction formerly known as Maelstrom. (photo by Brandon Glover)

# 1 – Villains Unleashed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

There were a lot of good elements contained within the Villains Unleashed hard ticket event this summer, but ultimately it gets our Golden Turkey award because of how many guests walked away outraged and demanded their money back. In a true story, one person read the SATURDAY SIX write up of the event, found out others had received their ticket money back, and also got their ticket refunded days later, no questions asked. Why? Because Disney knows they messed up on this one. From party maps being completely gone by the time the party officially started, to meet-and-greet lines being capped by 8 PM, to extremely long lines for everything (merchandise, food, meet-and-greets, you name it), overall this party was just short of a disaster.

THAT SAID, this is an idea that Disney needs to stay on until they figure it out. If anything, this year’s Villains Unleashed proved that there is a rabid fan base for this type of party. Maybe it needs to be in a different park where logistically you can do the fireworks show before 12:45 AM. Maybe it needs to have a ticketing system like Star Wars Weekends where guests are guaranteed ahead of time of meeting certain characters. It definitely needs to spread out the locations that offer food and merchandise. And maybe, just maybe, they should consider printing more park maps. However, it did have an utterly fantastic opening show. While it was almost impossible to meet more than one or two characters during the event, the meet-and-greets themselves (such as Constantine from Muppets Most Wanted) were wonderful. The Villainy in the Sky nighttime spectacular was fantastic. It was also the first time that Marvel characters were inside a Walt Disney World park (and from Guardians of the Galaxy to boot!). I have full faith that with just a couple tweaks, the Villains Unleashed party could go from winning the Golden Turkey award to being theme park’s most memorable event in 2015.

So there you have it: the Inaugural Walt Disney World “Turkeys” of the Year. While this article dealt exclusively with WDW, Universal had its own share of “Turkeys” this year including: Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour having lines out the door with a completely empty room next to it that could be used for queuing. the leaking Carkitt Market roof, and Matt Lauer of The Today Show asking the band One Direction about rumored drug abuse. See you Saturday for the latest edition of the SATURDAY SIX, where we are going to start our big end of year celebration articles. If you had fun, be sure to check out The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! articles, or, for your listening pleasure, check out the Pardon the Pixie Dust podcast. Your humble author can also be seen producing typos at an inhuman rate on Twitter: @derekburgan

The Saturday Six is a weekly look at the most interesting, most fun, and sometimes even the most outrageous things within the theme park world that we all love so much. Whether it’s checking out the World’s Largest Hard Rock Cafe in CityWalk, a look at Marvel Superhero Island in Islands of Adventure, or even going to Mickey’s […]

This week’s Saturday Six looks at the Top Six Reasons We Loved the 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. An annual event that originally started in 1995, Food & wine has grown each year and has become one of Orlando’s signature events of the fall. Over 25 marketplaces are placed around World Showcase and each bring their own unique food and drink offerings that offer guests the amazing opportunity to challenge their culinary palate and experience dining opportunities that just don’t exist in the theme park world during the rest of the year. But that’s not all, Food & Wine has a whole bunch of other stuff going on at the same time including seminars, concerts, and even the chance to meet celebrities from the world of food and wine. We loved this year’s festival but what are our favorite parts? For that we need to start the list~!

(Remember, you can click on any picture to see the full size version)

The Cranberry Bog (presented by Ocean Spray)

#6 – The Cranberry Bog

I don’t know what it is about it, but I am completely mesmerized by the cranberry bog. At night, it actually looks like it could fit in well over at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. During the day Ocean Spray has representatives who will guide guests through the process or harvesting cranberries. Here you’ll find out that cranberries grow on lung running vines and Ocean Spray (along with other cranberry farmers) use rake-like tools to brush them into water. Because the cranberries have air pockets in them, they float, so the berries are then collected en masse. I love watching people wade through the cranberry bog and continue to try to wrap my mind around the fact that something like this exists in the real world. It also will allow me to drop some knowledge bombs during my next Thanksgiving dinner when I explain where the cranberry sauce comes from and – as a bonus – there are free packs of Craisins nearby the bog at the Ocean Spray booth.

The GoGos!

# 5 – Eat to the Beat Concert Series

Throughout the Food and Wine festival there are bands playing live for the Eat to the Beat concert series. While some of the names may not be recognizable at first, you’ve more than likely heard the bigger hits from almost every group playing. Whether it’s Hanson’s “Mmmbop,” Wilson Phillips’ “Hold On,” or – one of my secret shame favorites – the GoGo’s “Our Lips Are Sealed,” you’ll be finding yourself singing along to many pop hits. Each band plays three shows per night (5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM) at the America Gardens Theatre.

Our favorites include the Food & Wine logo which has Mickey, Donald, and Goofy as three chefs, a pin that included Figment from Journey into Imagination, and various items including a cookbook and print that featured a whimsical chef. There are a lot of items to buy, many of which are high quality and worth checking out. While there is merchandise throughout the festival, the best bet to see everything is to go to the Festival Welcome Center (the former Wonders of Life pavilion.)

This is actually made of chocolate.

# 3 – The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to the Bar

Hosted by the Ghiradelli chocolate company, this exhibit made its debut during last year’s festival and makes a triumphant return this year. Just an awesome experience. One of the highlights is seeing several almost unbelievable sculptures created by Disney chefs that are made completely out of chocolate. These dioramas were straight out of a high end dessert show on the Food Network. My favorites included a western scene from Grand Floridan chefs, a bungalo-on-the-beach piece by chefs of the Boardwalk resort, and a Lion King themed one from Hollywood Studios chefs. Was completely blown away by the overall artistry.

Any menu promising a “liquid candy bar” gets a thumbs up from me.

The Chocolate Experience also has their own version of a Food & Wine booth offering two choices of wines and Ghiradelli drinking chocolate. The drinking chocolate is advertised as being “like a liquid Candy Bar.” Now if someone can just invent a liquid peanut butter I’ll be all set. The ball is in your court Reese’s…

The Chocolate Experience itself is included with your Epcot admission and is located in the Welcome Center. While in the Welcome Center you’ll also have the opportunity to check out the other offerings including The Art of Food & Wine area (where you can look at – and purchase – prints and original art), book and wine signings from celebrity chefs and winemakers, and check out if any of the various demonstrations or seminars catch your interest. Keep in mind that most of these seminars have a separate charge including a Mixology one for $15 that piqued my interest after watching the show Bar Rescue on Spike.

BraufactuM Darkon from the Brewer’s Collection booth

# 2 – The “Wine”

I’m using “wine” in quotation marks because I’m more of a beer man myself, but regardless if you happen to be a person who partakes in alcohol you are going to be quite happy with this year’s festival. Not only does every booth offer their own alcohol selections, but there are a couple booths dedicated completely to alcohol including Brewer’s Collection and Craft Beers. I’m a huge fan of beer flights (I like to think of them as “alcohol sliders”) and greatly enjoyed the beer flight at Craft Beers that included Dogfish Head Brewery Namaste, Abita Brewing Company Fall Fest, Leinenkugel’s Seasonal Shandy, and Florida Beer Company Devil’s Triangle. After their work on brewing Hog’s Head Ale for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Duff Beer for Springfield USA over at Universal, I will always support anything made by Florida Brewing Company.

Craft beer selections from Block and Hans at the American Adventure pavilion. USA! USA! USA!

At the Brewer’s Collection we tried BraufactuM Darkon. This was a dark, malty beer with hints of chocolate or coffee. Great taste, and but it’s generally geared towards people who prefer darker and stronger beers and actually reminded of the Duff Dry I had in Moe’s Tavern. At the Desserts & Champagne booth we tried a glass of Chandon Nectar Imperial. I would describe this glass of champagne as having a touch of sweetness with an overall fruity taste and crisp finish. We finished up in Scotland and tried a cup of Innis & Gunn Original. This was a reddish brown color beer, medium strength with hints of oak and what we assumed to be scotch or whiskey. All things considered, we’re going to give our Best In Show award to Innis & Gunn Original as the oaky flavor and the whisky/scotch finish was something we’ve never experienced in a beer before.

# 1 – THE FOOD!

Youki Tofu (Japan)

This is what we all came for, right? The marvelous food selections that arrive every year courtesy of Food & Wine. It’s a foodie’s dream and a Weight Watchers nightmare, but we love eating Around the World. Many of our favorites are back, including the Kalua pork sliders in Hawaii, Ireland’s Kerrygold cheese sampler, and our one Must Do every year, Germany’s roast bratwurst in a pretzel roll. However, this year we were on a mission. We set out to see how many food selections were available to vegetarians and found out there were actually quite a bit this year. We even wrote a blog about it: Eating Vegetarian at the 2013 Food and Wine Festival.

Vegetarian or not, you can’t go wrong with the spinach and paneer cheese pocket in Africa, the griddled Greek cheese with pistachios and honey over in Greece, and Terra’s chili Colorado with house-made chips and cashew cheese. Scotland’s vegetarian haggis is certainly a novelty item, but to us came across as little more than a glorified veggie burger (however the “neeps and tatties” sides are rather good.)

Discovery Passport

We couldn’t leave without trying a couple meat dishes, and can give big thumbs up to the Florida Local booth’s grass-fed beef slider, Belgium’s potato and leek waffle with braised beef, and the spicy Kimchi dog from South Korea. So many great choices throughout the Marketplace this year that it has us already looking forward to our next trip.

This article barely scratches the surface of everything you’ll experience at this year’s Food & Wine. Be sure to pick up a Discovery Passport before you begin your journey, as it lists all the countries, has all the menus (along with a convenient checklist to mark off all the items you have tried), and has a spot where you can receive a stamp from each country you visit! Stop by the Festival Information Center after you enter the park to pick one up.